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Click here to download the SOCIAL_HOUSING_CROSSWORD_PUZZLE.pdf

The future of social housing was prudently addressed, following a riveting conversation held by Theresa Mays former chief of staff Nick Timothy at one of our own board awaydays, back in January.

Many believe that social housing is nearing the bottom of the agenda when it comes to the implications of Brexit and is being heavily overlooked.

Arguable, the main issue that the social housing sector is going to face is the logistical changes to supply chains. With materials like timber being heavily imported from the EU, many merchants have already begun contingency planning to maintain their sustainability, and have adopted the approach of stockpiling materials; however, it’s a very temporary solution

The overcomplicating of importing materials is set to have some implications on the affordability of social homes, whether this is going to be for the good or bad of renters in the UK.

But the question is, does anyone know what they are doing? Planning for the unknown is an impossible feat in all walks of life, let alone when looking to mitigate the effects of Brexit on an entire industry.

The potential knock-on effects are endless with the immediate ones possibly the most damaging. Will we begin seeing more or less jobs in the construction industry? Half of construction workers in London come from the EU and many have already gone back to avoid being ‘stuck’.

The effects that deal or no deal Brexit could be endless from temporary purchasing alternative materials to a complete logistical change, steering away from current just in time solutions.

Going from a blanket agreement to, well, who knows what, is going to be a huge change regardless of the specifics and the social housing market is inevitably going to learn to adapt no matter what comes its way; Deal or No Deal is just the beginning of something bigger.

With every future deal coming from UK Parliament, surely our government will do what is best for UK citizens? It is no secret that the UK has been in a housing crisis for some time now with the publication of reports like the Shelter’s “vision for social housing”.

Although the UK is going Brexit crazy, there’s no need to panic. CHIC has been actively collaborating with its members / suppliers to gather intel on what is the best course of action to mitigate the amount of disruption to the supply chain. 95% of Manufacturers and Distributors have already plans in place to mitigate for a No deal vote with the large majority being determined as low risk. (Testimonial from a supplier)

CHIC has engaged with it’s supply chain to ensure that members have contingencies in place for every aspect of property maintenance requirements.

CHIC’s Merchant Services Manager (maybe change it to Supply chain manager) is of the opinion that: “The worst thing that we in the social housing industry can do right now, is to put our heads in the sand and hope that this storm will pass us by. The first thing that will be affected will be supply chains, as we see in other sectors such as the automotive industry. Arguably if housing associations engage with purchasing groups, in respect of their suppliers, trends will be noticeable which means that steps can be taken to mitigate negative effects.”

As rightly pointed out purchasing groups such as CHIC, are better positioned to notice trends in the market that individual housing associations cannot see, and this is purely down to the number of suppliers each engages. Having a pool of suppliers providing the same type of service, normally via a framework, will allow members that purchase through that group a better understanding of where the market is going.

In these trialling times, co-operation is key, and instead of we can do it better, we need to do it better together.

The question is then, what has your association done to ensure that services will not drop.

Quote from Bournville to come: - need to chase giles again today.

If you are worried about the Brexit impact on your organisation, please give us a call.

Welcome to the team - Kyle Smith

We are delighted to announce that Kyle Smith has recently joined CHIC as Director of Partnerships and Communication:

Hi, I’m Kyle and I am excited to be joining the CHIC team. I bring over 15 years of experience across social housing, community development, business engagement and marketing – most recently as Head of Communications at Trent & Dove. I will be overseeing Marketing, Partnerships and Social Value and I am especially passionate about making sure social value is meaningful, visible and embedded in the way we work every day. I’m also a Board Member at Citizen Housing, one of CHIC’s member organisations, which has homes across the West Midlands.

My career has included roles in the education and charity sectors, including the University of Birmingham and The King’s Trust (formerly The Prince’s Trust). I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and a qualified Mental Health First Aider. I look forward to working with you all.

CHIC Conference 2026 – That’s a Wrap

What an incredible day at the CHIC Conference on 3^rd June. We were delighted to welcome members and partners for a packed day of insight, collaboration and conversation focused on the challenges and opportunities shaping social housing today. In line with this years theme, we truly did ‘Join the Dots’ on how as a sector we can combine all our individual priorities and knowledge into real outcomes for residents.

A huge thank you goes to our headline sponsor, Broadoak Group, for their support and to all our sponsors, speakers and exhibitors who brought expertise, energy and real world perspective to the event. Most importantly, thank you to every delegate who joined us and contributed to such a positive and engaging atmosphere throughout the day.

Don’t just take our word for it as our media partners have captured the key takeaways and highlights from the conference HERE.

You can also watch the highlights video HERE.

UNZ Partnership

CHIC is pleased to confirm that we have renewed our UNZ (Unlock Net Zero) Partnership for another year. This continued relationship reflects our commitment to supporting the sector’s journey towards net zero, while ensuring social housing providers have access to practical insights, innovation and shared learning to help deliver warmer, safer and more energy efficient homes.

As part of the partnership, CHIC will continue to contribute thought leadership and sector perspectives across a range of platforms, sharing our unique insights on procurement, retrofit and delivering better outcomes for residents. Over the next 12 months, we look forward to working with UNZ and Ocean Media to continue shaping meaningful conversations across the sector and highlighting the role procurement can play in achieving net zero ambitions.

This Month’s Housing Update:

Social Housing Bill Progresses with Stronger Stock Protection Measure

The Social Housing Bill continues to move through Parliament, with reforms focused on protecting existing social housing stock, strengthening tenant protections and improving regulatory clarity across the sector. The legislation forms part of a wider government drive to increase delivery and safeguard long term housing supply.

Read More

Warm Homes Programme Accelerates Social Housing Retrofit Delivery

The Government’s Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, launched as part of the wider Warm Homes Plan, is now scaling up delivery to improve energy efficiency and low-carbon heating across up to five million homes by 2030. The programme is a key driver in supporting decarbonisation and reducing fuel poverty across the social housing sector.

Read More

Housing Market Shows Signs of Stabilisation Despite Ongoing Pressures

Recent market data indicates that while housing activity remains subdued, some indicators suggest conditions may be stabilising. Demand and sales remain below average, but the pace of decline is easing, with continued pressure on rents due to constrained supply and longer transaction times.

Read More

 

 

Procurement Update for CHIC Members
By Sam Domican, Director of Procurement

CHIC remains committed to delivering robust, member focused procurement solutions that support the full spectrum of asset management services and has been embedding the Procurement Act 2023 into all new framework activities.

Here is the latest update on our framework procurement programme:

Live Procurements
CHIC Merchants Framework 2026-20234 – Awarded
CHIC and Efficiency North have now announced the appointed suppliers for the re-procured Merchants Framework. This provides members with a compliant route to procure building materials, merchant services and managed store solutions across responsive repairs, planned investment, retrofit and compliance programmes. Find out more: https://www.chicltd.co.uk/news/launching-our-new-merchants-framework/

CHIC Consultancy Framework – Evaluation in progress
The evaluation of bids is underway for the re-procurement of the CHIC Consultancy Framework. The scope and lot structure covers a wide range of built environment related professional consultancy services, comprising but not restricted to Building Surveying, Contract Administration, Employers Agent, Quantity Surveying, and Principal Designer services, and any other roles that may be required to support the delivery of high-quality sector asset related projects. More information can be found here: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/010587-2026

Frameworks currently out to tender

Asset Compliance & Assurance Framework - The services required under this framework will support a range of CHIC’s members with a diverse portfolio of domestic and non-domestic assets, including individual properties, blocks and estates, as part of members’ asset management, compliance and assurance programmes. The framework is intended to support members in meeting their statutory, regulatory and governance obligations, while managing risk to residents, staff and building users.

CHIC is procuring a multi-disciplinary asset compliance and assurance framework, incorporating specialist services defined by the lots and any other associated services that may reasonably be required to support compliant asset operation and building safety. Support may be required at any stage of the compliance lifecycle, including but not limited to risk assessment, inspection, monitoring, maintenance, remedial works, independent assurance, audit, reporting and verification. Services may relate to cyclical compliance programmes, responsive or corrective works, assurance reviews, or other compliance related requirements arising during the framework term. UK4: Tender notice has been published to inform the market of the upcoming procurement: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/012537-2026

Frameworks in Procurement Planning Stage
Planning is underway for the following new frameworks:

Kitchen Materials Framework - This is a 4-year Framework from which our members will award contracts for the supply and fit of kitchens and associated goods, works and services for both existing and newbuild properties. UK1 Pipeline notice has been published to inform the market of the upcoming procurement:  https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/042977-2026

Roofing Systems and Related Works - This will be a comprehensive multi lot framework to deliver all types of roofing repairs and replacements. The scope of the framework is now being developed by the CHIC team. UK1 Pipeline notice has been published to inform the market of the upcoming procurement:  https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/034345-2026
Dynamic Markets

In parallel, CHIC is actively developing a comprehensive strategy for the implementation of the CHIC Dynamic Marketplace, aimed at increasing procurement agility and supplier access. In line with the Procurement Act 2023, CHIC’s Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS) will be progressively replaced by this range of new Dynamic Markets.

 

CHIP Awards 2026 Winners Announced

We are delighted to announce the winners of the CHIP Awards 2026, celebrating outstanding individuals and organisations making a real difference across the housing and construction sectors. The evening brought together colleagues, partners and supporters from across the industry to recognise excellence in social value, mentoring, career development and positive impact.

The event also raised a record breaking £4,000+ through the raffle, with all proceeds going directly towards supporting CHIP’s ongoing work in championing social value across the sector. Thank you to everyone who donated, bought tickets and helped make this such a successful evening.

 

The Ian Winslet Award – Mentor of the Year
Sponsored by ARK Consultancy
For this award the standard of applicants was so impressive, the CHIP Trustees decided to award two winners.

Winner: Shannon Walker (Crawford & Co Surveyors Ltd)

Shannon was recognised for her exceptional ability to mentor, combining high standards with genuine care. As Crawford’s first female Retrofit Assessor, she has progressed into a director-level role while investing heavily in her own professional development through retrofit qualifications, AssocRICS progression, and an apprenticeship in surveying.

Having worked across multiple departments, Shannon brings a deep understanding of operational pressures and uses this to guide others with empathy and clarity. Her approach is grounded in listening first, removing barriers, and helping colleagues build confidence through practical, structured support.

Winner: Madi Sharma (LJM Solutions Ltd)

Madi was recognised for her outstanding commitment to people, values and social value leadership. Alongside her compliance role, she has taken on a pivotal position shaping social value strategy, acting as an Enterprise Adviser and Careers Lead, and supporting school partnerships through meaningful engagement on apprenticeships and employability.

Beyond her organisation, Madi dedicates significant personal time to mentoring women in business globally and supporting SEND employment initiatives. She is known for strengthening governance, challenging strategy constructively, and ensuring that growth is always aligned with values and purpose.

The Maggie Punyer Award – High Achiever of the YearSponsored by CHIC

Winner: Ashley Crawford (Crawford & Co Surveyors)

Ashley was recognised for transforming Crawford & Co from a one person business into a nationally respected consultancy employing over 90 people. Under her leadership, the organisation has invested over £1 million into training, apprenticeships and professional development.

She has supported more than 50 employees to achieve DEA and retrofit accreditation and enabled over 20 staff members to progress through apprenticeships, degrees and master’s level study. Her leadership has built a culture focused not only on business success, but on unlocking potential and creating long term opportunity for everyone in the organisation.

Career Development Excellence AwardSponsored by Severnside Security

Winner: Eve Hunt (LJM Solutions Ltd)

Eve was recognised for her rapid progression from Office Apprentice in 2024 to a key member of the management structure. She now operates across multiple roles including Office Manager, Marketing Executive and Customer Services Lead, while also studying for a marketing degree.

She has taken on budget responsibility early in her career and consistently demonstrates initiative, reliability and a strong commitment to supporting the business beyond her formal responsibilities.

Social Value Employer of the YearSponsored by Synergize

Winner: Dodd Group

Dodd Group was recognised for its leading approach to social value, including a three-pillared strategy focused on People, Climate and Community, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

With strong apprenticeship delivery, high retention rates, and significant investment in workforce development, the organisation continues to demonstrate long term commitment to skills and opportunity. Dodd Group’s work also includes extensive charitable fundraising, community refurbishment projects, and partnerships delivering environmental and social initiatives across the UK.

Positive Impact AwardSponsored by Geberit

Winner: United Infrastructure – Heath Town Regeneration

United Infrastructure was recognised for delivering transformational social value through the Heath Town regeneration programme, with over £20m in social value created.

The project has delivered local employment, skills development, digital inclusion programmes, community facilities and ongoing resident support. From volunteering hours to donations and infrastructure improvements, the programme represents a holistic approach to long term community regeneration and wellbeing.

 

Special Thanks – Headline Sponsor

A special thank you goes to our headline sponsor, calfordseaden, for its incredible support of this year’s awards.

During the event, they delivered a powerful and thought provoking speech on what “social value” truly means in practice, highlighting the importance of embedding purpose, responsibility and long term thinking into everything we do as an industry. Their message strongly resonated with the audience and reflected the shared ambition across the sector to deliver meaningful, lasting impact.

Calfordseaden is a multidisciplinary property and construction consultancy with a long standing commitment to delivering quality, sustainability and social value across the built environment. Their ongoing work continues to demonstrate how technical excellence and community impact can go hand in hand.

You can download the slides from their presentation here: Download slides

Congratulations once again to all winners and shortlisted nominees. The standard this year was exceptionally high, and every applicant has contributed to advancing social value, professional development and positive change across the sector.

Thank you to everyone who attended the CHIP Dinner & Awards for making it such a memorable evening.

 

 

Case Study

Raising the Standard for Responsive Repairs
CHIC supported Stonewater, one of the UK's largest social housing providers, in procuring a responsive repairs service solution through its Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). The DPS provided a compliant and efficient route to market, enabling Stonewater to quickly engage with suitable contractors while maintaining procurement transparency and regulatory compliance. Following a competitive process, Westmade was appointed to deliver responsive repairs services, helping Stonewater improve service delivery for residents and streamline maintenance operations.

The partnership demonstrates how housing providers can use flexible procurement frameworks to secure high quality services while reducing procurement complexity and timescales. Stonewater was able to identify a contractor aligned with its customer focused approach, supporting faster repairs, improved operational efficiency and better outcomes for residents.

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Thought Leadership

Why Strategic Procurement can be the Driver Behind Effective Asset Management“Strategic asset management” (SAM) is not just about spreadsheets, stock data, or investment programmes. Rather, it is about how to make smart, sustainable decisions to protect homes, strengthen landlords’ operations and, most importantly, improve residents’ lives.

In social housing, SAM is about managing homes as long term social and financial assets. It becomes the blueprint for balancing financial sustainability with quality services, ensuring that every property and every pound invested in it, contributes to a bigger mission – the provision of safe, affordable, and sustainable homes for people who need them most. 

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